P21-M fake DVDs seized in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Several sacks of fake digital video discs (DVDs) with an estimated value of P21 million were seized in a raid on several establishments here yesterday afternoon.

No one was arrested in the raid conducted by a joint team from the Optical Media Board (OMB) and the police Regional Public Safety Battalion.

OMB chairman Anselmo Adriano said one of the shop owners questioned the raid and claimed they were paying protection money to a police officer.

Adriano said the area was placed under surveillance prior to the raid. He said his men estimated that about P150 million worth of fake DVDs were being traded in the area daily. 

He said some shop owners might have been tipped off about the raid and were able to spirit away the items and avoid seizure.

“We want to stop this illegal activity as it destroys the film and music industry and deprived the government of taxes,” Adriano said.

He said charges would be filed against the operators of the DVD shops.